Editor's Note: Josh Huestis recently completed his first professional basketball season and the C.M. Russell High graduate is pleased with his progress. The former Stanford University star played for the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA's D-League, and in 44 games averaged 10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists. The 6-foot-7 forward started 43 of the Blue's 50 games and led the team in made 3-pointers with 85. Huestis, 23, who was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, took a few moments this week to speak with Tribune Sports Columnist Scott Mansch for our Sunday Conversation.

Q: I understand you recently were home for a few days, is that right, Josh?

A: Yes. I was home for a little less than a week, spending time with the family (mother Bonnie, father Gary). We were up in the mountains. You know, doing Montana things.

Q: Is everyone doing well?

A: Yes, everybody's doing great. My sister (Kava) has been in Oklahoma City living with me, and she's moving back to Montana in June. Thanks. Everyone's doing wonderful.

Q: Does Kava plan to do some barrel racing up here this summer?

A: Yes. That's why she wants to move back. She's been working down here and hasn't been able to do any rodeo. So she's going to go back and start up again.

Q: Did you feel good about your first professional season?

A: I felt great about it. I felt like I learned a lot and made a lot of new friends and connections. I'm really happy with how the year went.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the season?

A: Probably just the learning process. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I think I'm better for it.

Q: How about the most fun part of year?

A: I guess just the feeling of it. Just knowing that I'm following the dreams and doing everything I've wanted to do.

Q: Do you feel you improved significantly as a basketball player?

A: I do. I think I'm making really good strides and that I learned a lot. I've been playing a long time but I'm still learning, and the things I learned this last year will help me in the future.

Q: Anything specific you can point to?

A: The biggest things were probably on defense. There are shortcuts, tricks of the trade you pick up as you play: how to get through screens better and take better angles to play better defense. On offense, probably, the biggest thing is spacing. The court is so much bigger with the NBA 3-point line that you have to learn a different way to space the floor. I learned a lot of ways to help my team by spacing the floor.

Q: You're already such a great defensive player, that surprises me a little that you learned so much at that end?

A: It's a totally different game up here. In college is one thing, but everybody is so much faster at the next level. I was a little behind but I feel like I've done a great job at catching up.

Q: How are you physically? Getting stronger?

A: Definitely. The fact that this is my job, and all I have to worry about is getting in the gym, working out and making sure I improve my body is really helping me make a lot of steps forward.

Q: You posted good numbers, yet I know you're regarded as somewhat of a defensive specialist. What do you think the Thunder thinks your role will be down the road?

A: The thing I'm looking at is just being a guy who helps his team win. That's the way I thought going to Stanford and that's what got me on the court. We're definitely one of the most talented teams in the entire league, so I just want to be the guy who comes in and plays defense and fills whatever role they want me to fill. I just want to help them win. We're so close to being a championship team and I want to help them take that next step.

Q: What's your contractual status with the Thunder?

A: This will be a big offseason for me. We haven't had the chance yet to sit down and discuss it with them. It will come down to the commitments I make and what the team decides. I can't make any guesses on that yet.

Q: Your rights are still held by the Thunder, correct?

A: Yes.

Q: If you had to go back to the D-League for another year would you be OK with that?

A: I'm willing to do whatever it is they believe will be best for me. There are a lot of paths to take to the NBA. If that was fine I'd be OK with it as long as I knew it would make me a better player.

Q: I guess it must have been a shock to everyone when head coach Scott Brooks was fired.

A: I really don't know a whole lot about it, but whatever our organization decides is best. I'm really excited to work with coach (Billy) Donovan.

Q: What was it like with all the travel of pro basketball this season?

A: It's a different beast. In college, if you win the national championship you play about 40 games. Here we played like 52 games, and each game is eight minutes longer than a college game. So it really wears you down. But I think my body held up really well for that kind of shock. I'm going to work very hard this offseason to get ready to play at least 82 games this next year.

Q: Were there some Great Falls folks who traveled to watch you play this winter?

A: Yes. Dave Taft came down. Russ Morin and his mom. And Reid Tramelli. It was great.

Q: From a personal standout what was the highlight of your first pro season?

A: Probably a game in Iowa, I think, where I made seven 3s. It was just like a testament that I can be a shooter. I've never been a guy in my entire past, as you know, who steps out behind the 3-point line. To me it was a testament to me of the work I've been putting into my shot. It really raised my confidence.

Q: How about the competition? Who was the best player you played against?

A: Oh man. There were a lot of tough guys. A lot of really good players. It's much of a dropoff from the NBA to the D-League. Some of those guys are definitely good enough to play in the NBA.

Q: Did you get a chance to practice or rub elbows with the Thunder very much?

A: No, but this offseason I'll be able to do more.

Q: It doesn't seem that long ago that you were playing real well against Mr. (Andrew) Wiggins when Stanford beat Kansas in the NCAA Tournament. And of course he was NBA Rookie of the Year. That has to give you confidence, still.

A: It makes me feel good to know that I could guard somebody at that level. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

Q: What a year it's been for you, Josh.

A: It's been a wild ride. But I'm glad I took it. It's going great.

Q: What are your offseason plans?

A: I'll be in Oklahoma City a lot. I want to be around coach Donovan and all the other guys. Just work and get ready.

Q: A lot of scrimmaging or games? Or just working out?

A: Working out. I'm sure once more guys start coming back into town later there will be games. Right now I'm just working to get my body right, learning some new skills and working out with some of the younger guys that are here.

Q: I'm sure weightlifting is always a part of your routine.

A: Absolutely. That's a huge part.

Q: Well, Josh, there are a lot of fans back home interested in you and proud of you. I'm sure you know that.

A: Thank you very much. I'm just trying to make everybody proud.

Q: Do you have any more trips home planned this summer?

A: You know, I'm looking to make one home in June. My cousin Corbin (Keaster) is getting married and I'm going to do my best to be out there (in Highwood) for that.

Q: It's nice to talk to you.

A: It's my pleasure, Scott. Thank you.

Scott Mansch is Tribune Sports Columnist and can be reached at 791-1481 or smansch@greatfallstribune.come. His Sunday Conversations appear often in the Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @GFTrib_Smansch